Tina Graham | Photographer

‘Charlie’ is the full name of the bride I photographed on Valentine’s Day in Whistler.  Charlie Renee to be precise.  A truly unique name for a truly inspiring and unique woman.  Charlie graduated from UCLA with a Masters in Astrophysics (or something close to ‘rocket science’).  She’s not only brilliant academically, she’s one of the most down-to-earth, genuine and caring people I’ve ever met. Her smile is contagious and she laughs with ease.

Here are a couple of details:

Brent is her equal.  Despite the fact that they’re both fiercely competitive, they really do complement one another.  I know Brent went heli-skiing several days before the wedding.  Now THAT takes a lot of bravery!

I met up with Charlie while she was getting ‘beautified’ at the Four Seasons.  It was GREAT to see her again!  Several months ago I was able to head south to Los Angeles where they live for the engagement shoot.  We had so much fun on the beach then that it seemed like no time had passed when I saw her again.

Brenda Bakker is Whistler’s star Make-up and Hair person!  I met Brenda several years ago when she first moved to Vancouver before heading up to Whistler to live full-time.  She’s one of the RARE professionals who will stay with the bride for the majority of her pictures for touch-ups, styling and overall ‘fussing’.  I LOVE Brenda and recommend her to ALL my Whistler/Pemberton brides!  If you’re getting married up there you HAVE to contact brenda at brenda@brendabakker.com!

Once Charlie was in her dress, we headed down to the courtyard where she and Brent were to see each other for the first time.

From there we headed to the trails where snow was STILL covering the ground!  I thought it would be GREAT to get some images of the couple in the snow!  They’re in Whistler after all!  However, I had to keep remembering that they were used to the warmth of Los Angeles…  I tried to hurry as much as possible… but it was so gorgeous!

After getting most of the shots, I hurried them back inside to have drinks with the rest of the bridal party and warm up!  LOVE this shot!

The Best Man did it…..

The ceremony and reception were held at the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre just ‘kitty corner’ to the Four Seasons.  It’s a brand new building and absolutely perfect for Charlie and Brent’s wedding - the high ceilings, glass walls - the perfect setting!  And when the Four Seasons caters, you KNOW the food will be delicious!

Of course the ceremony was romantic against beautiful red velvet!  The minister was Charlie’s uncle.  I NEVER laughed so hard during a ceremony!  He had EVERYONE in hysterics!  But this is a GREAT image…

First dance…..

LOVE this picture of Charlie and her Dad:

I was at the reception until the VERY end!  Charlie and Brent wanted to go out with a bang!  (ok, they were sparklers… but it was FUN!)

I’m sure it’s evident the party wasn’t over then!  They all went back to the Four Seasons for a little ‘after party’ party!  I went back to my room…  After experiencing the reception, I was EXHAUSTED!  Americans REALLY know how to have a good time!  I’ll post those pictures tomorrow!

This past Sunday I ran 19km.  For those who have not converted to metric yet, that’s almost 12 miles.   Considering I have had trouble with my knees for many years, I found 12 miles quite an accomplishment.  This time I’m doing it ‘right’ though.  I now have a physiotherapist that helps me with my bio-mechanics - alignment, joint/muscle movement and has given me specific exercises to prevent future trouble with my knees.  I also have a full-time Registered Massage Therapist to get out all the knots and loosen super tight muscles (glutes are a major issue right now).  Although this may sound luxurious, trust me when I say, it’s unbelievable torture!  But WOW does it feel good afterwards and running has never felt so GOOD!

Along with running, I’m making sure to do some cross training too.  I’m back at Bikram’s yoga a minimum of twice a week.  This is usually done the day before and the day after my long run.  If you don’t know about Bikram’s yoga, it is done in a very hot room (102 degrees) and it lasts for 90 minutes.  It stretches every major muscle group (and muscles you never knew you had) and helps lubricate joints, including the vertebrae.  Do this for an extended period of time and the muscle tone is incredible!  It’s a cure-all for every ailment too.  AND it does WONDERS for your peace of mind!   I can’t say enough about it and highly recommend to EVERYONE!  (fine print:  please see your doctor before trying it). 

Every morning (at least 5 days a week) I’m in the weight room for strength training.  This may sound like a LOT…  and it is.   But I’m actually starting to realize my goal of ‘running a marathon’ - something that has been on my life list for a long time!  May 3 is the BMO Vancouver Marathon and I intend on running in it! 

That being said, I have a bunch of other updates to give you and fabulous pictures to show you! (and they’re not pictures of me running…).  I know I’ve been lax of late with my postings so I’ll do my best to give you more in the next few days!